Left Unity stance on Transport for Greener Together Forum

Mike's summary is excellent and I agree with everything he has written and appreciated the debate on how to respond to the cost of living crisis.

Pertinent to that is the second 'Greener Together Forum' on Monday 12 Sept where the subject is transport.  This time, I would like our own 6 Sept mtg at 7 pm to discuss if we can ask the transport speakers to talk about the following regional and relevant transport matters.  My own questions for them to talk about in the forum are these but, do they have your approval and does anyone have any others?:-

1. Is it true that the cost of living crisis has meant that there is a £300 million shortfall in the cost of the Dudley Tram (Wednesbury, Brierley Hill Extension or WBHE) construction project and this is leading to only half of it being built - for the time being?  Over the 40 years of planning and constructing the 10.7 Kms tramline on mainly a railway "of national strategic significance", the cost has ballooned to £550 million.  Is that the current figure?
2. Are you still insisting that the only way to finish the missing middle section of the 120 Kms Black Country Mainline Railway is to put Metro trams on a total of 6.7 Kms out of the 56 Kms that is available to be finished with the regional and commuter, fast trains between Worcester and Derby via Dudley?  The official line that has never been withdrawn in 22 years is this: "Light rail (trams) investment provides the basis for restoring heavy rail services at the appropriate time."  (Heavy rail services mean trains between Worcester, the Black Country and Derby.)
3. Could Laura Shoaf, CEO of WMCA be called to the forum to explain what exactly she meant in a 'Midlands Today' interview that "passive provision would be built in" to the WBHE Metro tram scheme to allow the mainline railway to be completed with fast passenger and freight trains, in due course?
4. Has the cost of living crisis delayed the reopening of the Wolverhampton to Walsall Railway with its two new stations at Darlaston and Willenhall?
5. Is the Kings Norton, Kings Heath, Moseley, Balsall Heath railway still going ahead with its three new stations?
6. Has the cost of living crisis caused the postponement of the Walsall to Brum via Sutton Coldfield railway being brought back into use?
7. Are there plans for the Clean Air Zone to be made tighter to improve even further the quality of life and health of those living and working within the Ring Road?
8. Have our transport experts ever talked of road pricing to free up road space for essential business users and to deter car commuters who should be using bus, train and tram to get to and from work?
9. What is the latest cost of the Birmingham Eastside Metro extension?
10. What was the final cost of the Brum Westside extension?

Questions for Left Unity

Thanks for these emails that I have just re-read and appreciated.

What exactly are we saying about the cost of living crisis?

That the rich, like me, must pay more in taxes to level down so that those on only state pensions, benefits and other low incomes can level up?

Do we agree that the war between Russia and Ukraine (fueled by the West) must be quickly ended by talks, compromise, negotiations, settlement so that Russian oil and gas can be released once more to fund our lovely high fossil fuel lifestyle and to get energy prices down?

Do we support a windfall tax on the companies that have unexpectedly found themselves in the happy position of being cash cows?  Or, what are we saying on the financial bonanza that only shareholders and directors are benefitting from?

Do we want the energy price cap to be frozen, as Labour is saying, to knock hundreds of pounds off bills?  Paid for by a tax on energy company profits, according to Starmer writing today in the Sunday Mirror.

To help tackle the energy/cost of living crisis, does anyone out there join me in calling on the WMCA to make a public announcement that there will be no more Metro "bus on rails" tram extensions beyond Dudley bus station and beyond the current construction in Digbeth High Street?  Similarly, with no new contracts going out for more Sprint extensions.  The money saved to extend FFPT to the young and middle aged and to bring in more electric buses going directly on the roads without the very high GHG emitting railway tracks going on the roads (to bring cyclists like me crashing down when our wheels get stuck in the rut!)?

Could we discuss this last paragraph at our next meeting and then vote on it, perhaps?

I would be glad of some clarification and, even some help/support/agreement/encouragement (delete what is impossible!) would be quite magnificent, please!

Left Unity to stand up and speak out!

My requested item is that we must stand up, speak out for the urgent matters we want:

Left Unity must hit the headlines and become as well known to certain officers and members as I am!  A political party writing to the VIPs/decision makers in power to get them to do what we want without having to get elected.  Yet, still standing in elections ourselves to make a mark and to show we mean business.  And then attending the election counts when we do put forward a candidate - and not like the Green Party in my borough of Dudley who never showed up last Thursday night!!  Real candidates and not paper/invisible candidates.

My councillors in Dudley borough are so apathetic/lazy they don't have surgeries.  Even when you phone or write, nothing happens (for me!).  That makes it all the more important to attend election counts to gently feel their collar and ask polite, pertinent questions.  By the time I had done that I was only too pleased that they had stopped all candidate speeches from the platform.  I had said enough to the individuals who would engage, praised the one councillor who shows some understanding of eco-socialism and what that actually means in practice, was exhausted and cycled home in the early hours of Friday morning!

At three of Dudley MBC committee meetings, there is a 'Public Forum' item on the agenda that I exploit fully but vary the subject matter or, simply bring them up to date on the latest tram calamity!

Left Unity - May meeting

Thanks for this.  I hope to be there on Zoom.

My requested item is that we must stand up, speak out for the urgent matters we want:

Left Unity must hit the headlines and become as well known to certain officers and members as I am!  A political party writing to the VIPs/decision-makers in power to get them to do what we want without having to get elected.  Yet, still standing in elections ourselves to make a mark and to show we mean business.  And then attending the election counts when we do put forward a candidate - and not like the Green Party in my borough of Dudley who never showed up last Thursday night!!  Real candidates and not paper/invisible candidates.

My councillors in Dudley borough are so apathetic/lazy they don't have surgeries.  Even when you phone or write, nothing happens (for me!).  That makes it all the more important to attend election counts to gently feel their collar and ask polite, pertinent questions.  By the time I had done that I was only too pleased that they had stopped all candidate speeches from the platform.  I had said enough to the individuals who would engage, praised the one councillor who shows some understanding of eco-socialism and what that actually means in practice, was exhausted and cycled home in the early hours of Friday morning!

At three of Dudley MBC committee meetings, there is a 'Public Forum' item on the agenda that I exploit fully but vary the subject matter or, simply bring them up to date on the latest tram calamity!

Left Unity is on the right side of history

I am an eco-warrior and not a military warrior.  My political party should be, too.

To set Ukraine an outstanding example, we should call on the UK to resign from NATO.  I find it totally unacceptable that Ukraine should want to be a member of NATO.  The years of a military alliance expanding eastwards in Europe is provocative, as has been the weeks of talking up war with Russia.  This weekend's outrageous talk of appeasement to simply suggest to Ukraine that they drop their demand that they become a member of NATO is totally unacceptable.

What do the rest of you think?  My latest diatribe is this:

 Self-awareness is lacking in NATO/American/West...

To Left Unity

Yes, indeed.  Far better to be positive with eco-socialist, rather than negative with anti-capitalist.  Capitalism is so heavily entrenched within our society but is so deeply unsustainable and hence flawed.  Eco-socialism perfectly embraces that compassionate, caring, socially just society that puts the poor and disadvantaged first and foremost and the fit and wealthy last.

It is totally unacceptable that it "does not mention climate or environmental work."  We must be seen to be relevant and speaking to the major issues and concerns of the day.  We definitely do.  And we have to engage as we do.  By the way, the card is brilliant and I took a few on Saturday.

I am not clear what Bob is getting at here:

"Anyway, back to the NIP; anything that weakens the imperialist UK state should get a big tick, but should that also apply to within England itself, the heartland of racism, imperialism and Toryism? If the NIP was to attract growing support, the argument that 'workers need to be united, this move would divide them' sounds a bit like the arguments against Scottish independence. I am aware of the differences between a historic nation and a region, but there is an inequality issue there that has to be addressed."

Are you arguing for independence for N England, Bob for reasons of equality?  Then it will be independence for SW England ... 

I want independence for Scotland asap and Trident removed from that land.  I am not so sure about Northern England getting independence, however.  Regional devolution as we now have is good as long as we (LU members) are welcomed and valued in a partnership with other interested parties in working with the decision-makers at 16 Summer Lane.  We have to muscle in, as I do and, make the most of the opportunity to influence the WMCA Board meeting in Wolverhampton on Fri 19 Nov at 1030 hrs for their gathering at 1100 hrs at the Civic Centre.

I am shocked by the apathetic, totally uninterested, uninformed and misinformed councillors in my own borough of Dudley and of the Green Party councillor in Brum.  I'm disappointed by all the councillors, in fact, apart from Olly Armstrong who is active and a socialist and took the lead over the rally and march.  Our time has come to take over from the councillors in getting what we want in the W Midlands actually done.

I am desperate that we work with our friends in the SWP, the Socialist Party, the Communist Party, CND, Stop the War, Greenpeace, Reprieve etc and I want LU as the perfect banner and name for us all to coalesce under to counter right-wing racism, domination, greed and militarism.

My 2nd resolution to Left Unity

Dear friends and comrades

Is there room on the agenda for Sat 16 Oct to talk about this suggestion, perhaps?

RESOLUTION AGAINST greedy, unnecessary, vanity projects but, the funds used instead, to pay for levelling up by raising the attractiveness of public transport.  Especially, for those with mobility issues who must have the most help and top priority, every time.

That this branch of Birmingham and W Midlands Left Unity condemns the proposed Brum to Leeds E arm extension of HS2 and the extension to Manchester from Birmingham.

We are united in wanting it stopped along with all other extensions of W Midland Metro and Sprint buses that are horrifically expensive to further boost greenhouse gas emissions; make for a First Class and Second Class public transport provision; and, worsen public transport by introducing more changes and delays between train, three kinds of tram, Sprint buses and Platinum buses.

This is called multi-modal transport by Mayor Andy Street but means, in fact, a multi-modal mix up mish mash that results in a slower public transport journey as now seen on Hagley Road, Five Ways underpass and Broad Street in Birmingham.

We resolve that Andy's £15 billion to 2040 for Metro tram extensions in the W Midlands must go, instead to extend the region's Fare-Free Public Transport to the young and middle-aged to end that discrimination against them and, as the antidote and carrot to the stick of Brum's Clean Air Zone charges.

END

I think that we have everything to gain in publicity and in getting noticed by the media if Mike feels able to pump out our resolutions to all and sundry!  Persistence and patience will eventually pay off in giving us a higher profile and more attention.  It may take years, though!

Could this go on the agenda for a week on Saturday, please, Mike?

Tim

LEFT UNITY MUST GET NOTICED

 Dear friends and comrades

Thank you for this string of emails that I have read.  I am so sorry to hear about Bob W-F's experiences at NC on Sunday and that he was/is so upset.  I also have found, as Bob W wrote, "I find our meetings interesting, educational and uplifting. Nobody is curtailed."  I completely agree.  Please may that continue with ourselves!

I am sorry to read that Mike got not a single reply from anyone to our resolution of August re the climate emergency and our positive, helpful, constructive ways forward to help deal with the crisis.  THANK YOU, MIKE for sending out the resolution.

My own view is that we should still persist, with resolutions like the one we discussed on Saturday.  Then vote on it and ask Mike to send it out to all the organisations, people and reporters he covered last month.  I want Left Unity to get mentioned in the  media and to be invited to comment.  Very occasionally, like this morning, I get phoned by a reporter to comment after an email I sent to him last Friday.  I always speak and write solely in my own name.  I would love one of you others to be named as speaking or writing, officially on behalf of our party.  Left Unity must get more media attention from senior members of the party like the rest of you are.

Would the rest of you authorise Mike to send out something on our behalf from Saturday's meeting and agreement that was unanimous, over trans rights?

If we persist every month, the media might, eventually, sit up and take notice of us - with a bit of luck!  They'll see and acknowledge we are active, responsible, sensible and well able to make a mark in the West Midlands; in building a more sustainable, eco-socialist and inclusive society where the marginalised, the left out, the forgotten of our society are put front, back and centre.

Tim

Left Unity resolution to WMCA to combat climate crisis

 

Here is the submission from Birmingham and West Midlands Left Unity to the WMCA on what it should be doing to combat climate change. "As internationalists and socialists who are concerned for the future of humanity and, in fact, all of nature, we note: 1) Abnormally and record high temperatures in western N America, with wildfires out of control, and more recently as seen in Turkey, Greece, Italy and Spain. 2) Disturbed weather patterns and extreme weather events since Wednesday have killed over a hundred in western Europe, with a similar number missing. 3) Extreme weather and further eco damage will continue to have a detrimental impact upon specific groups experiencing health and other socially related issues. 4) Since 1988, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has consistently warned of such events from the burning of finite fossil fuels that is changing dangerously, the chemical composition of the atmosphere that allows life on earth. 5) Therefore, we appeal to the WMCA to act as though they are taking the climate emergency seriously by now moving to a rapid reduction of fossil fuel use that includes minimising fossil fuel travel and spending and, in every other way minimising our impact on ailing life support systems.  This should be done by: a) Replacing waste incineration with organic digestion. b) Introducing Fare Free Public Transport. c) Introducing rapid and massive home and building insulation. d) Scrapping new road building schemes.  e) Scrapping HS2.  f) Ending aviation expansion. g) Fostering alternative and diverse modes of travel, including walking, cycling, and scootering, rather than having an over-reliance on carbon-thirsty private transport. h) Supporting the expansion of electric charging points to aid reduction of fossil fuel use. i) Supporting divestment from fossil fuels by the WMCA. j) Public transport needs to be frequent, ubiquitous, and accessible, as well as free at the point of use. 6) We approve of the 60 mph speed limit ("for air quality") on the M5 in Oldbury and West Bromwich and we wish this to be extended to cover all of the motorway and road network in our region that is currently 70 mph."

Proposed resolution to show solidarity with Clean Kilo - the zero waste and organic food shop

Proposed resolution to show solidarity with Clean Kilo - the zero waste and organic food shop at 1 Gibb Street, Digbeth

This meeting of Birmingham and Black Country Left Unity political party has passed this resolution today, ..., 2021

We are very concerned that this low climate impact, sociable and socialist, small business is in danger of closure for reasons that include the devasting road works outside the shop for the very high impacting Metro tram works.

We note that the tram is called a "bus on rails" when we already have buses without rails directly on roads that would be simpler and cheaper to replace with electric ones than the ten times more expensive per Km to construct Metro trams.

We join Mayor, Andy Street in his "utterly unacceptable" description of the £5 m replacement of the five-year-old tram tracks in Corporation Street that is threatening the livelihoods of the workers in the businesses in that road, too.

We fully support the Brum cyclists who are up in arms at their exclusion from part of Broad Street because of the trams taking over from buses and cars - and now cycles, too - in that, former major bus route into the city centre.

We condemn the sidelining of public transport and cycling in this way when it is urgent that we act on the city council's climate emergency declaration in 2019:

1. by slashing the unnecessary expenditure of deadly greenhouse gases.
2. by discouraging car use and encouraging the use of buses directly on roads, minus the rails and, cycling.
3. by encouraging those with disabilities to have greater freedom to choose, if they wish, to move around the city, in their cars, on less congested roads.

WE CALL ON THE CITY COUNCIL TO RECONSIDER THE DEVASTATING IMPACTS ON CLEAN KILO FROM DECISIONS MADE WITH ALL GOOD INTENT BUT IS NOW SHOWING VERY SERIOUS UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES.

Tim Weller

Left Unity motion re extreme weather events

Motion from Tim Weller,

“As internationalists and socialists who are concerned for the future of humanity and, in fact, all of nature, we note:
This week,
Abnormally and record high temperatures in western N America, with wildfires out of control.
Disturbed weather patterns and extreme weather events since Wednesday have killed over a hundred in western Europe, with a similar number missing.
Extreme weather events affect those of our number with health issues much more seriously than those who are fully fit.
Since 1988, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), has consistently warned of such events from the burning of finite fossil fuels that is changing, dangerously the chemical composition of the atmosphere that allows life on earth.
Therefore, we appeal to the WMCA to act as though they are taking the climate emergency seriously by now moving to a rapid reduction of fossil fuel use that includes minimising fossil fuel travel and spending and, in every other way minimising our impact on ailing life support systems.”

Left out people still divided in a myriad of left groups and parties and so we never win!

I agree with Corbyn, particularly over "the Black Lives Matter movement has fuelled a global response to the scourge of racism, and how the climate crisis threatens us all." This means, I think, that all left out people (that includes Corbyn!) should unite in Left Unity for action on social justice, climate justice and non-violence.  All our little factions and divisions on the left simply weaken our urgent, sensible and right actions.  Remember, 'Life of Brian' film and the myriad of rival groups fighting the Romans, 2,000 years ago!  Very funny BUT, we are still like it today!!

Is 'Restoring Your Railways' too revolutionary and 19th century?!

 I am asking, along with the Green Party, if Left Unity and your good self could strongly support the drive for 'Restoring Your Railways'.  This is an HMG/DfT, UK-wide initiative but is only very half-hearted with a small amount of money allocated for a few feasibility studies and, nothing at all for the completion of the nearly ready-built, 120 Kms (74 miles) Black Country Railway between Worcester and Derby via Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall.  It bypasses Birmingham that is exactly what Brum needs with its congested, over-loaded, 'Grand Central Shopping Centre and Diesel Perfumed Underground Station In The Basement Of The John Lewis Store'.  A rather over-loaded name, too!

Network Rail and the DfT both agree that it is a railway "of national strategic significance"​

 "of national strategic significance".pdf

​​Metro trams are now being built on 6.7 Kms in the middle of the unused, wasted 56 Kms that is also without the trains and stations.  This leaves 49.3 Kms that is unused on either side of the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro tram line, when every underpass and bridge for M5/M6 and M6 Toll and every road and canal is already built for TRAINS!​

F​irst of all, does this have your personal support, Bob for the completion of what may well be the world's first train-tram-train mainline railway with two changes from train to tram at Brierley Hill​ ​and back to train​ ​at Wednesbury?

Does it have your personal support for commuter and regional trains between Stourbridge and Brierley Hill and between Wednesbury and Burton on Trent, instead of more tram extensions, bus rides and even an extended cycle-walkway on an existing double track mainline railway between Walsall and Lichfield?

Would the regional and national Left Unity ever be able to agree to the TRAINS AND STATIONS going back on this existing double-track mainline railway?

Would the regional and national Left Unity ever be able to agree that COMMUTER TRAINS AND STATIONS should return to existing, not yet destroyed, railway lines in heavily congested urban conurbations like the West Midlands?  There are 106 Kms, minus the 6.7 Kms going for trams, that are freight only or mothballed for trams and cycles.

What is your honest opinion of what seems to me the blindingly obvious thing to do to reduce congestion, air pollution and rising, deadly greenhouse gases?

With all my e-mails, phone calls and speaking since the 1990s, I feel I have won a major success that the authorities are now thinking about​ ​(and even a little action) ​over ​"Restoring Your Railways"!

This is also an easy WIN for Left Unity to send us on our way!  It is being positive, constructive and helpful.

Or, is it a far too revolutionary a concept?  And it is me that is eccentric, a loony leftie and completely out of my little mind?

Best wishes

​Tim​